Consumer News: Five that could target you this holiday season

The complaint alleges ultraprocessed foods are addictive and unhealthy

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• San Francisco files a first-of-its-kind lawsuit accusing major food manufacturers of misleading consumers about the risks of ultraprocessed foods

• The city argues that companies intentionally formulate products to be addictive while marketing them as healthy or convenient

• Public health officials say ultraprocessed foods now represent a major driver of chronic disease and rising healthcare costs

The City of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against several of the countrys largest food manufacturers, alleging that the companies knowingly design ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) to be addictive while deceptively presenting them as wholesome, safe, or part of a balanced diet.

Filed this week in San Francisco Superior Court, the suit targets multinational producers whose packaged snacks, sweetened beverages, cereals, frozen meals, and convenience foods are widely available on U.S. grocery shelves. The complaint argues that these companies have systematically misled consumers for decades about the health effects of UPFsproducts typically high in refined carbohydrates, industrial oils, salt, and additives formulated to enhance shelf life and intensify flavor.

Taking a page from the tobacco litigation playbook

City Attorney David Chiu compared the lawsuit to the early cases brought against tobacco companies, asserting that major manufacturers have long known the potential harms associated with high consumption of ultraprocessed foods.

These companies have exploited vulnerabilities in human biology, deliberately engineered products to keep people coming back, and then marketed them as convenient solutions for busy families, Chiu said in a statement. San Francisco taxpayers are bearing the cost of diet-related disease, and we believe the industry should be held accountable.

The lawsuit argues that the biochemical effects of UPFs, including rapid spikes in blood sugar and engineered bliss point flavor combinations, create patterns of dependency similar to other addictive substances.

Health and economic stakes for consumers

Public health experts cited in the complaint note that UPFs now make up more than half of the average American diet. Studies increasingly link high consumption to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. San Francisco officials say these illnesses strain the citys healthcare budget and disproportionately harm lower-income communities.

The suit claims that manufacturers obscure these risks through marketing techniques that emphasize convenience, affordability, natural ingredients, or added vitamins and mineralsmessaging the city alleges is intentionally misleading.

Industry response

Food industry groups have pushed back, arguing that the lawsuit unfairly vilifies widely consumed products and oversimplifies the causes of diet-related disease. Some manufacturers claim they have invested heavily in reformulating products to reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat while expanding better-for-you product lines.

They also argue that dietary choices are influenced by complex social and economic factors beyond the control of any single company.

San Francisco is seeking financial damages to offset healthcare and public health costs as well as court-ordered changes to marketing practices. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how governments address the health impacts of ultraprocessed foodsand could open the door to similar lawsuits from other cities or states.

The issues include metal fragments and listeria risks

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Three separate cheese recalls were issued this month due to Listeria contamination and metal fragments.

• Products were sold at major retailers nationwide, including Wegmans, Target, Walmart, Aldi, and Publix.

• Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and discard or return affected cheese immediately.

Consumers across the United States are being urged to check their refrigerators following three major cheese recalls issued in recent weeks. The recalls involve products sold nationwide and at major retailers, including Wegmans, Walmart, Aldi, Target, and Publix.

While no illnesses have been reported so far, officials warn that the recalled cheeses pose potential health risks ranging from Listeria monocytogenes infection to internal injury from metal fragments

Wegmans Food Markets has issued a recall of its Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese after being notified by its supplier of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women face additional risks, including miscarriage and stillbirth.

The cheese, packaged in plastic tubs with Wegmans scale labels and UPCs beginning with 2-77580-XXXXX-7, was sold between November 14 and November 24, 2025, in stores across 10 states and Washington, D.C. All lot codes have been pulled from shelves, and no illnesses have been reported.

Customers who purchased the product are urged to return it to Wegmans for a full refund. The company has provided extended customer service hours throughout the holiday period.

Ambriola Company recalls multiple brands

In a separate recall, the Ambriola Company has pulled a wide range of grated Pecorino Romano cheese products after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes. Out of caution, the company also recalled additional cheeses processed at its West Caldwell, New Jersey facility.

The affected products, sold under brands including Locatelli, Boars Head, Members Mark, Pinna, and others, were distributed nationwide between November 3 and November 20, 2025. Products include both retail cups and cheese sold by the pound, with dozens of specific expiration dates identified.

No illnesses have been reported, but customers experiencing symptoms of listeriosissuch as fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrheaare encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.

Ambriola has suspended production and distribution while it conducts a full review of its food safety procedures. The company urges customers to discard the affected cheese or return it to the retailer for a refund.

Metal fragments in shredded cheese

A third recall involves shredded cheese produced by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., sold under more than two dozen store and national brands at retailers including Target, Walmart, Aldi, H-E-B, Publix, Food Lion, and Sprouts.

Initially recalled on October 3, the issue involves potential metal fragments in shredded cheese blendsposing a risk of internal injury if consumed. On December 2, the FDA elevated the recall to a Class II classification, indicating that serious adverse health effects are remote but possible.

Brands affected by the recall include:

• Good & Gather (Target)

• Great Value (Walmart)

• Happy Farms (Aldi)

• Publix

• Borden, Food Club, Coburn Farms, Laura Lynn, and others

The recalled cheeses include Italian, pizza, mozzarellaprovolone, and mozzarellaparmesan blends. Products were distributed across 31 states and Puerto Rico, spanning the South, Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast.

While the FDA did not issue specific consumer instructions, experts say the safest step is to stop eating the affected cheese and either discard it or return it to the store.

What to do

Officials urge consumers to:

• Check all shredded and grated cheeses against the recall information.

• Dispose of or return any affected products.

• Seek medical attention if symptoms of listeriosis or internal injury occur.

• Contact retailers or manufacturers for refund information.

With the holiday season underwayand cheese a staple in many householdsofficials emphasize the importance of reviewing purchased products carefully.

If you care about price, selection, or your sanity, these are the dates to circle

• NowDec. 12: Sweet spot for real deals and full size/color selection, especially on tech and winter apparel, with calmer midweek crowds

• Dec. 14 (Free Shipping Day): Prime time to finish online shopping with free shipping and guaranteed-by-Christmas delivery from tons of retailers

• Dec. 2024: Best for true last-minute gifts and some dcor clearance, but expect bigger crowds, thinner selection, and fewer real bargains

If you decided to spend time with family on Black Friday, and maybe ignored Cyber Monday altogether, I got some good news for you. Retailers have stretched Black Friday into an entire season, and there are some upcoming shopping days that easily rival the hype of this past weekend when it comes to finding real deals.

Below is a look at the best remaining days to shop before Christmas 2025, and what each date is actually good for in terms of savings.

Now through Friday, December 5: leftover Cyber without all the hype

The week immediately after Cyber Monday is often overlooked. Big retailers have already blasted through their biggest marketing tricks, but many of the same discounts quietly linger online.

Retailers nowcreeptowards Black Friday week and Cyber Week promotions rather than one-day-only events. Adobe and other trackers reported record Black Friday online sales and continued strong traffic through the weekend as deals stretched across multiple days.

What this window is good for:

• Electronics and tech accessories that were on sale for Cyber Monday.
• Winter apparel and shoes while common sizes and colors are still in stock.
• Household items and small appliances that dont depend on deep holiday markdowns.

If you want close-to-Cyber prices and decent selection, this is one of the calmer times to shop online or in-store.

Monday, December 8: Green Monday

The second Monday in December has quietly become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, known in the industry as Green Monday.

It was coined Green Monday by eBay in the mid-2000s after seeing consistently high sales on that date. Not to be confused with deals specifically on environmentally-friendly products, its actually a play on online shopping being more eco-friendly than driving to brick-and-mortar stores.

Green Monday mainly matters because:

• Its a little over 2 weeks before Christmas, making it the time when websites often start to move items at a discount and it still gives shoppers plenty of time to get gifts delivered by Christmas Eve.
• Many retailers roll out another round of online promotions specifically to catch shoppers who missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

What to target on December 8:

• Consider this the last good chance to shop for popular toys and kid gifts that may sell out closer to Christmas.
• Youll find deals on mid-tier electronics, headphones, tablets, and even gaming accessories.
• Ive also found that its a great day to find savings on home and kitchen gifts, especially when shopping online.

Pro tip:Use Green Monday as your revenge shopping day. Take everything you almost bought on Black Friday, put them in a wishlist, then on December 8th only pull the trigger if (1) the price actually dropped, (2) theres a sitewide code, and (3) you can stack cash back with your purchase...otherwise leave it in your cart and walk away.

Midweek, December 1012: price breaks without weekend crowds

Holiday traffic forecasts for 2025 show that the last two Saturdays before Christmas (December 13 and 20) will rival Black Friday for in-store crowds, with sustained heavy traffic in the final 10 days before the holiday.

This makes the midweek stretch between Wednesday and Friday, December 1012, appealing for one simple reasonmuch fewer people.

What these shopping days are good for:

• In-store clothing and shoes, where you want to try things on but not fight for dressing rooms.
• Holiday dcor and entertaining supplies before the very last-minute rush.
• Return trips to exchange sizes or pick up forgotten items.

You may not see biggest discount of the year promos, but youre more likely to actually find what you need and get out without standing in line for 30 minutes.

Sunday, December 14: Free Shipping Day

If you plan on finishing your Christmas shopping online, and dont want to pay for expedited delivery, Free Shipping Day is one to watch and take advantage of.

It started back in 2008 and is a one-day event, held December 14^th this year, with over 1,200 participating retailers offering free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.

Why it matters this year:

• The 14^th lands right before the USPS, UPS, and FedEx bump up the shipping service required for Christmas delivery. The December 1720th window is when youll have to pay moreto get your gifts delivered on time.
• Think of December 14^th as the last realistic day to order online with free shipping and still be confident your packages will arrive by December 24th.

Best bets for Free Shipping Day:

• Gifts like apparel, shoes, kitchen gadgets, board games, small electronics, and toys.
• Gifts for people that live in other states, where on-time arrival matters more than chasing an extra 5% off.
• Items that are expensive to ship on your own (think heavy, bulky, or fragile gifts).

Pro tip: Make Free Shipping Day your hard cutoff for shopping online.Anything you havent ordered by the 14th becomes an in-store or gift-card present, period. Load your cart the night before, then on the 14th only buy at stores that show both free shipping and delivery by Dec. 24 at checkout.

Saturday, December 20: Super Saturday

The Saturday right before Christmas, often called Super Saturday, is expected to be the 2^nd busiest shopping day of the entire 2025 season, trailing only Black Friday.

While it sounds like a daunting day to head to the mall or local stores, if you know what to look for, you can use this day to shop for gifts and actually save money.

What that means for shoppers:

• Retailers roll out aggressive, one-day promotions to capture last-minute shoppers.
• Youll see big signs for discounted gift sets, beauty, fragrance, pajamas, slippers, and stocking stuffers.
• Unfortunately, some popular toys and in-demand clothing sizes may already be thin.

Super Saturday is ideal if:

• Youre comfortable with crowds and want to finish everything in one in-store trip.
• Youre flexible on brands and colors and mainly want deals on more generic-type gifts.
• Keep in mind that its less ideal if you care about a specific item or color being in stock.

December 2124: last-minute, not lowest-price

The final days before Christmas is often when shoppers will sacrifice some savings for convenience.

Finding a good gift, regardless of price, often outweighs saving a few bucks. This is especially true if it means not having to stand in a long line or deal with a busy parking lot.

By these dates, expect the following:

• Most standard shipping windows have closed, leaving you only two-day, overnight, or same-day shipping options, often at a hefty premium.
• In stores, youll see markdowns on ultra-seasonal items like holiday dcor and even some gift sets. But popular toys and electronics may be sold out or your color/size choices will be smaller.

The smartest moves in these final days:

• Use buy online, pick up in store to lock in inventory and price before you get in your car and drive.
• Consider local shops and boutiques. The lines will be small, or non-existent, and the selection of gift ideas should still be strong.
• Its smart to focus on gifts like coffee, chocolate, candles, books, and gift cards.
• Buy gift cards at Costco if possible and get them at a discounted price. You can often get four $25 gift cards for just $79.99.
• If youre buying dcor or entertaining items, look for early clearance prices on stuff that you can use this year and stash for years to come.

Buy now, pay later hits new highs

Shoppers were more disciplined over Black FridayCyber Monday, prioritizing value
Buy now, pay later services hit new records as consumers spread out payments
In-store traffic fell even as online spending climbed faster than expected

Holiday shoppers took a more calculated approach to Black FridayCyber Monday this year, focusing on stretching budgets and minimizing impulse buys, according to new industry data. Rising prices across essentials and gifts pushed consumers toward a more strategic mindset and toward flexible payment tools.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services such as Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and PayPal Pay Later continued their rapid rise. Adobe Analytics reports BNPL has driven $10.1 billion in spending so far this holiday season, up 9 percent from last year. Cyber Monday set a single-day record with $1.03 billion in BNPL purchases about 7 percent of all online spending.

PayPal said its BNPL transactions jumped 23 percent in the days leading up to Black Friday.

The appeal spans income levels, driven by convenience and the ability to spread out payments, said David Tinsley, senior economist at the Bank of America Institute. Most people remain light users, with just one to four BNPL purchases on their accounts.

Greater availability at checkout is also fueling growth, said Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester. BNPL could also just be going up because e-commerce is going up, she said.

But experts caution that the model isnt risk-free: missed payments can trigger interest charges, and financially vulnerable shoppers may be more susceptible to overspending.

The risks behind BNPLs rapid rise

Mounting debt from small purchases

Experts warn that buy now, pay later services can mask the true cost of purchases. Because payments are split into smaller installments, shoppers may take on more debt than they can comfortably manage especially during the holidays, when spending naturally spikes.

Missed payments can trigger fees or interest

While many BNPL plans are advertised as zero interest, that guarantee usually applies only if payments are made on time. Missed or late installments can lead to interest charges, penalty fees or account restrictions. Some providers also report delinquent payments to credit bureaus, risking long-term credit damage.

Lack of consumer protections

BNPL purchases generally fall outside traditional credit-card dispute frameworks. That can create hurdles for shoppers trying to resolve issues like incorrect charges, damaged goods or returns particularly when multiple retailers and payment platforms are involved.

Higher risk for financially vulnerable households

Analysts say BNPLs appeal is particularly strong among consumers facing tight budgets or limited credit access. These shoppers may rely on the services not for convenience, but necessity increasing the likelihood of missed payments and compounding financial strain.

Overlapping installment schedules

Because many shoppers juggle multiple BNPL plans at once, its easy to lose track of due dates. Overlapping payment schedules can create cash-flow crunches, leading to cascading late fees across several purchases.

Preholiday caution takes hold

With groceries, housing, energy and even key gifting categories rising in price some due to tariffs shoppers are increasingly wary.

People are being cautious, Kodali said. The economy from a retail standpoint has been really positive and this cant go on forever.

That caution shows up in the numbers. The National Retail Federation expects November and December spending to top $1 trillion for the first time, but analysts stress that higher totals largely reflect higher prices, not higher volume.

Online spending surges as stores see declines

Despite broader caution, online sales roared past forecasts. Adobe Analytics recorded $14.5 billion in Cyber Monday sales, up 7.1 percent year over year, and $11.8 billion on Black Friday, a 9.1 percent gain.

Brick-and-mortar stores saw a different pattern. Foot traffic on Black Friday dropped 2.5 percent at malls and 2.6 percent in downtown areas, according to MRI Software. Small Business Saturday declines were steeper, with mall visits down 4.3 percent and downtown traffic off 6 percent.

RetailNext, which tracks activity at more than 560 brands, reported an even sharper drop: traffic fell 3.6 percent on Black Friday and 8.6 percent on Saturday.

The shift doesnt mean shoppers sat out the weekend just that they shopped differently. Shoppers showed theyre done with the impulse-driven, one-day frenzy, said Joe Shasteen, global head of advanced analytics at RetailNext. Prices, tariffs, and tighter budgets pushed people to shop with discipline, not adrenaline.

Essentials rise, but gifts arent forgotten

Consumers also pounced on deals for everyday necessities. Among Shopify sellers, the top product categories were vitamins and supplements, followed by skin care and activewear. Adobe projects online grocery sales will hit $23.5 billion this season, up 9.3 percent from last year.

Were seeing promotions on essentials and the things that consumers feel they need first, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail adviser at Circana.

But even bargain hunters made room for festive splurges. Santa Claus is going to show up and is he going to show up with vitamins? Yeah, Cohen said. But hes also going to show up with a toy here and there.